Date of Award

Spring 5-13-2026

Access Restriction

Campus Access only Theses

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Theatre Arts

School or College

College of Communication and Fine Arts

First Advisor

Kevin Wetmore

Second Advisor

Stacey Cabaj

Third Advisor

Katharine Noon

Abstract

In this paper, I will be developing a well rounded and practical curriculum necessary to best prepare future theater educators for a career in the field. I will be researching and curating materials and strategies for effective drama teaching in the form of a written paper, as well as conducting a weekly class with undergraduates and documenting the results of that experience. I am creating a Theater Education course for my thesis because, without proper K-12 teacher training, drama educators will continue to perpetuate the same methods with which they were taught and often lead to a cycle of harm. To work with children is a great privilege and responsibility. Childhood is the most formative and critical time in our lives. It is where we learn the foundational elements of our selfhood: resilience, tolerance, disappointment, communication, humor, and how we function within a community. While many view childcare as an easy and instinctive task, it is proven that teaching young and developing minds requires preparation, understanding, and adaptability. This course will incorporate research and theories from a wide variety of sources, ranging from Assessment Textbooks to Culturally Responsive Teaching Methods. It will not produce a whole and complete understanding of performance pedagogy, but will be intended to inspire a spark of interest and a basic understanding in equitable and sustainable theater education. The curriculum will follow the structure of a school year, beginning with ensemble building and classroom management strategies, and end with a complete lesson plan with a hands-on K-12 teaching experience. The students will engage in a wide variety of classroom games and exercises to break down and evaluate as well as discussions on assessment, discipline and how best to direct and potentially technically direct a youth theater production. I believe this course is vital to any theater program. It is no great secret that at some point in time, the majority of actors will one day teach in some capacity. Whether that be part time/ after school care, specialized workshops, substitute jobs, babysitting, or even becoming full time theater teachers; childcare and theater tend to go hand in hand. This course is important because it will provide students with the skills to build a curriculum and lesson plan, as well as to build community and practice meaningful and effective classroom management. I attended an undergraduate Theater Education Program where I believe that I received a rich and thorough education, however, my first year teaching at a public middle school felt that I was fighting for my life in a war zone. It is vital that teachers receive hands-on experience both observing and leading their own classes in many different environments. My hope is to provide students with both the research and philosophies of teaching, as well as significant experience practicing in the field.

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